Brown (hand) Could Miss Patriots Game

November 30, 2006|By Alex Marvez Staff Writer

DAVIE — Already ruled out of Sunday's home game against Jacksonville because of a fractured left hand, Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown also might not be ready to play Dec. 10 in a key AFC East matchup against New England.

"The healing process has to go on and the doctors have to figure has he healed well enough relative to how we can protect this [hand] to play his position," Dolphins coach Nick Saban said Wednesday in a conference call with Jacksonville media. "That may take a few weeks."

Sammy Morris will start in Brown's place against Jacksonville (6-5), with Travis Minor serving as his backup. The Dolphins (5-6) are expected to promote running back Patrick Cobbs from the practice squad to serve in a third-string role.

Left guard Jeno James (knee) and quarterback Daunte Culpepper (knee) also were ruled out for the Jaguars game. James could be back for the Patriots game, while Saban said Culpepper wasn't at practice Wednesday because he was receiving a checkup of his surgically repaired right knee.

Retired NBA player Reggie Miller visited Dolphins headquarters to film an interview with defensive end Jason Taylor that will air during TNT's telecast of tonight's Heat-Pistons game.

Asked whether he would be willing to play Taylor in a one-on-one game of basketball, Miller said, "No, I'm retired. Plus, I've seen the way he's knocked some of these offensive guys. I don't want to deal with that. These guys hit entirely too hard."

WRIGHT INELIGIBLE

The Dolphins have declined to activate rookie defensive lineman Rodrique Wright to their 53-man roster, making him ineligible to play in 2006. Wright, who underwent shoulder surgery after being drafted in the seventh round in April, has reverted to the team's reserve/non-football injury list after practicing with the team the past three weeks.

"He did a really good job," Saban said. "It's hard to make [roster] room right now with all the other [injury] issues we have."

Offensive lineman Tony Pape was re-signed to the practice squad.

NOSING AROUND

A puffy Lehan has received some good-natured ribbing from teammates since undergoing surgery Friday to repair a fractured nose.

"I looked at myself in the mirror and was like, `Dang, I look kind of funny,'" said Lehan, who is tied for the team lead in special teams tackles with nine. "It's all in good fun that there are some jokes being thrown around. I'll get this [tape] off of here soon so they can't talk about anything anymore."

Upon his return, Lehan said he plans to switch to a tighter-fitting helmet that has a protective shield. Lehan was reinjured in last Thursday's 27-10 victory over Detroit when his helmet slipped and pinched the bridge of his nose.

TE PEELLE FINED

The NFL levied a $2,500 fine against backup tight end Justin Peelle after he was penalized for an illegal chop block in a Nov. 19 victory over Minnesota.

Staff Writers Harvey Fialkov and Keven Lerner contributed to this report. Alex Marvez can be reached at amarvez@sun-sentinel.com. He can be heard from 8 to 9:20 a.m. Fridays and at 6:30 a.m. Mondays on WQAM (560-AM).